December/January/February 2022

Kol Beth El

By Rabbi Alex Freedman

What’s the best night of Chanukah? Is it the first night, when we light the Chanukiyah for the first time and look forward to a week of latkes and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts)? Or is the last night the best, when we are well into the spirit of the holiday and see all eight candles and Shamash with dancing flames?

It wasn’t always the case that we lit eight candles on the eighth night.

The Talmud records a disagreement about the order in which to light the candles (Shabbat 21b).

The House of Shammai says we should light all eight candles on the first night and work our way down to one on the final night. He makes a strong case: there is a pattern in the Torah where the sacrifices for Sukkot decrease by one each day, so maybe that pattern should apply to Chanukah too. Also, our joy should be lessened each night because there is one fewer day left of the holiday. I would add that this method is more historically accurate too; in the original Temple Menorah, the first night had the maximum amount of oil and light, and each subse-

quent day there was a little less oil. Shouldn’t we recreate that historical experience?

On the other hand, the House of Hillel says we should start with lighting one candle on the first day and work our way up to eight. (This is how everybody does it today.) He reasons that Maalin BKodesh, we only increase in matters regarding holiness and never take away. Also, each day of the holiday is more joyful than the previous because we’re more enriched with the Chanukah spirit. Finally, I would add that the grandeur of the miracle of the oil was enhanced daily. The second day’s miracle was more remarkable than the first because it wasn’t supposed to last that long. And the third day was even more incredible than the second because the light really wasn’t supposed to continue that far. And so on. For Hillel, it’s not about recreating the historical facts but measuring their impact, which grew daily.

We side with Hillel because we “save the best for last.” On the eighth day the miracle reached its peak, so it’s the eighth day of Chanukah when our houses are most full of joy and light.

Corner Together Again as a Community for Joyous Holiday Celebrations

By Stuart Hochwert, NSS Beth El President

As I write this we have just celebrated Simchat Torah, and the leaves are starting to fall. The trees are filled with glorious colors. The calendar will soon turn to Thanksgiving, Chanukah, and the secular New Year. This is one of my favorite times of the year. So many opportunities to be together with family and friends. And for most of us a quieter time at the end of the year.

It was indeed wonderful to celebrate the High Holidays together again this year. Whether you participated in-person, via Livestream or a combination, I hope the High Holidays were a meaningful experience for you and your family. We had over 1200 members in-person at Beth El which is more than double last year. About 350 people were in-person at Highland Park High School, over

Sukkot Celebrations

300 in-person for Children’s Services at Beth El and about 575 screens/1,100 viewers on Livestream. I am so proud that our community came together to worship safely.

And who knows the 613th Mitzvah in the Torah? Answer: It is the final one,

look for our Mitzvah613 Project online or call the office and sign up today. It is a great family experience and there is no cost to participate. Imagine that every time you come to shul and the Ark opens you can say, “I helped write that Torah! That is my Torah!’ That is why we want all Beth El families to participate in this important milestone.

We are fortunate that Beth El offers so many programs every week. We are continuing to add more programs each month. Look at the website or the weekly Kol Beth El email for the latest information. From programs on social justice to current events to Talmud studies to Book Clubs, we have it all.

the religious duty for every Jew to write a Torah scroll. So, if you have not yet written a letter in our new Torah, please

And we are now back to offering morning and evening Minyan in-person

HAZAK Sukkot and Bingo

Cohen Religious School Sukkot Celebration

Leshem Family

Daily and Shabbat Worship Schedule December

All of the following Shabbat services meet in person and are available on livestream or see our website www.nssbethel.org/about/ nssbehome/

You can also find weekly Minyan times in the Thursday Kol Beth El email blast.

Clergy:

Hazzan Jacob Sandler

Hazzan

Every Shabbat

10:30 am Junior Congregation Services for students in 2nd - 6th grade (Sager Beit HaMidrash).

11:00 am Tot Shabbat Year round services for families with children 1st grade and younger (Horwitz-Hoffman Youth Lounge).

Please note:

For weekly Torah and Haftorah readings, clergy commentary, and Zoom links, please open your weekly Thursday Kol Beth El emails.

For classes, meetings and other scheduled events, please refer to our website calendar or call the synagogue office at (847) 432-8900.

*Rabbi

January February

Friday, December 2

4:01 pm Candle Lighting 6:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat

Saturday, December 3

Parashat Vayetzei

9:00 am Shabbat Service 4:00 pm Mincha

5:05 pm Ma’ariv/Havdalah 5:06 pm Shabbat Ends

Friday, December 9

4:01 pm Candle Lighting 6:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat

Saturday, December 10

Parashat Vayishlach

9:00 am Shabbat Service 4:00 pm Mincha

5:05 pm Ma’ariv/Havdalah 5:06 pm Shabbat Ends

Friday, December 16

4:02 pm Candle Lighting 6:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat

Saturday, December 17

Parashat Vayeshev 9:00 am Shabbat Service 4:00 pm Mincha 5:05 pm Ma’ariv/Havdalah 5:08 pm Shabbat Ends

Friday, December 23

4:05 pm Candle Lighting 6:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat

Saturday, December 24

Parashat Miketz/ Shabbat Chanukah 9:00 am Shabbat Service 4:00 pm Mincha

5:10 pm Ma’ariv/Havdalah

5:11 pm Shabbat Ends

Friday, December 30

4:10 pm Candle Lighting

6:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat

Saturday, December 31

Parashat Vayigash

9:00 am Shabbat Service

4:00 pm Mincha

5:15 pm Ma’ariv/Havdalah

5:16 pm Shabbat Ends

Friday, January 6

4:16 pm Candle Lighting

6:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat

Saturday, January 7

Parashat Vayechi

9:00 am Shabbat Service 4:15 pm Mincha

5:20 pm Ma’ariv/Havdalah 5:22 pm Shabbat Ends

Friday, January 13

4:23 pm Candle Lighting 6:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat

Saturday, January 14

Parashat Shemot 9:00 am Shabbat Service 4:15 pm Mincha

5:25 pm Ma’ariv/Havdalah 5:29 pm Shabbat Ends

Friday, February 3

4:50 pm Candle Lighting 6:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat

Saturday, February 4

Parashat Beshalach/ Shabbat Shirah 9:00 am Shabbat Service 4:45 pm Mincha 5:50 pm Ma’ariv/Havdalah 5:53 pm Shabbat Ends

Friday, February 10

4:59 pm Candle Lighting 6:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat

Saturday, February 11

Parashat Yitro

9:00 am Shabbat Service 4:45 pm Mincha 6:00 pm Ma’ariv/Havdalah 6:02 pm Shabbat Ends

Friday, February 17

5:08 pm Candle Lighting 6:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat

Saturday, February 18

Friday, January 20

4:32 pm Candle Lighting 6:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat

Saturday, January 21

Parashat Vaera 9:00 am Shabbat Service 4:15 pm Mincha

5:35 pm Ma’ariv/Havdalah

5:37 pm Shabbat Ends

Friday, January 27

4:41 pm Candle Lighting 6:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat

Saturday, January 28

Parashat Bo

9:00 am Shabbat Service 4:30 pm Mincha

5:45 pm Ma’ariv/Havdalah

5:45 pm Shabbat Ends

Parashat Mishpatim/ Shabbat Shkalim 9:00 am Shabbat Service 5:00 pm Mincha 6:10 pm Ma’ariv/Havdalah 6:10 pm Shabbat Ends

Friday, February 24

5:16 pm Candle Lighting 6:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat

Saturday, February 25

Parashat Terumah 9:00 am Shabbat Service 5:00 pm Mincha 6:15 pm Ma’ariv/Havdalah 6:19 pm Shabbat Ends

Rabbi Michael Schwab*

Rabbi Alex Freedman

Jenna Greenberg Rabbi Vernon H. Kurtz, Emeritus

Schwab occupies the Vernon H. Kurtz Senior Rabbinic Chair

Music

Rinat Shabbat - Adding Extra Joy to Shabbat

By Hazzan Jacob Sandler

When Chanukah is around the corner, I’m often reminded by friends who aren’t Jewish how limited the general knowledge of Jewish music really is. When I was growing up, in a fairly Jewish area of the New York metropolitan area, one of our winter concert classics was “Nachamu Ami” which is really a summer melody from the Shabbat after Tisha B’Av. Yet that was still refreshing compared to many in college whose familiarity with Jewish music stopped at “Dreidel Dreidel” and “Hava Nagila.”

You might recall some other Chanukah classics from your Hebrew School days like “MaOz Tzur” (Rock of Ages), “Mi Yimalel” (Who Can Retell?) and who among us hasn’t been subjected to Adam Sandler’s (no relation) Chanukah Song? When I lead Hallel for Shabbat Chanukah, I do what I call: “A Very Chanukah Hallel” and it features as many Chanukah Songs as I could think of ranging from traditional to contemporary, classic to obscure (but not too obscure). I hope you’ll join and see how many you recognize when applied to the psalms of Hallel. Here’s the list:

1. The Chanukah Blessings

2. Chanukah Oh Chanukah

3. I Have A Little Dreidel

4. Ocho Kandelikas (A Ladino Melody)

5. MaOz Tzur (The Sephardi/Italian Melody)

6. Sevivon Sov, Sov, Sov

7. Mi Yimalel

8. Chanukah Chanukah

9. MaOz Tzur (Ashkenazi Melody)

10. Light One Candle (Peter Yarrow)

11. The Chanukah Song (Adam Sandler)

12. Chanukah In Santa Monica (Tom Lehrer)

And that’s not including some of the parody songs by the Maccabeats or Six13. And for a much fuller picture of Jewish Music, one should look into the beautiful Choral music showcased by Hazamir and similar groups. Jewish Rock Radio plays Jewish folk, Israeli pop, Jewish rock and camp songs. There’s Yiddish and Israeli art songs, classic Hazzanut and there’s Chassidic nigunim. There’s amazing spiritual

Shul Sisters in Concert

Sunday January 15, 2023 at Beth El

music coming from Rising Song Records through Hadar. There are Shabbat Zemirot and countless melodies we use in our tefillot.

When the radios and the stores start playing hundreds of songs for Christmas, just remember, there’s more to Chanukah music than Adam Sandler and Dreidel - and there’s a whole lot more to Jewish music than you might have realized. And a whole lot more is being written and performed today by my friends and colleagues. I hope I can showcase many of them here on our Bima at Beth El. We’ve had Six13 and Rabbi Josh Warshawsky already. This year, come hear the Shul Sisters and The Choral Torah Collective!

There’s Still Time to Scribe a Letter in Our Torah!

By Wendy and Steve Abrams, Mitzvah613 Chairs

We are excited to give you a Mitzvah613 update. Our new Torah will be completed in less than 6 months!

Thus far, over 300 families have participated in writing a letter in the Torah. The experience has been extremely well received. Our community has enjoyed learning from the scribe as they make their mark on Beth El’s new Torah.

There are four signing dates remaining…

January 16 and 17

March 12 and 13

Please check the website to sign up or call Judy Berkeley at (847)432-0703 for more information.

Acclaimed (and local) Cantors Laurie Akers (Congregation Or Shalom in suburban Chicago), and Rachel Brook (Anshe Emet Synagogue, Chicago, IL) are joined by Cantor Rachel Goldman (Congregation Beth Yeshurun, Houston, TX) to form Shul Sisters, a dynamic cantorial vocal trio. United by their shared desire to use music to lift women’s voices, and the belief that joining together in song reminds us of our inherent worth and beauty, Shul Sisters put on a show you won’t want to miss! Scan

new furniture. Our goal is to ensure our infrastructure remains an effective, attractive ,and appealing avenue to educate our children for many years to come.

Funds raised from this project have been earmarked for Capital Improvements to the Education Wing of our building. Our plan is to modernize and secure the school’s entryway and remodel all classrooms, hallways, and bathrooms. Each classroom will receive state of the art technology and

We look forward to May 21, 2023, when we will write the final letter of our Torah and celebrate its completion! We are planning an exciting and meaningful day filled with fun for all ages. Save the date for what we know will be a wonderful community celebration.

Warmly, Wendy and Steve Abrams

Congregational Learning

Teen Community Learns to Debate

By Ali Drumm, Director of Congregational Learning

What will happen to our communities when community members’ jobs are replaced by artificial intelligence?

It’s not something you would expect our teenagers to have an answer to, but that’s exactly the project we are embarking on in this year’s Jewish Teen Project. The Miriam and Bernard H. Sokol Hebrew High School’s Jewish Teen Project is our cooperative learning experience for 8-12th graders in partnership with Moriah Congregation.

In a combination of social action programs and weeknight learning, we engage teens in meaningful conversations that allow them to translate Jewish ethics, values, and practices into their lives and to connect and build relationships with our community and each other. We are proud to have attracted students from public school and day school, as

well as those who have attended day school and now attend public high school- Jewish Teen Project is really for everyone.

your case convincing, finding textual evidence, respecting others’ opinions, and being open to having your mind changed are invaluable and applicable to our teenagers’ lives.

Our students will have an opportunity to share their learning with students from around the country by participating at the Hadar Maimonides Moot Court Competition in Baltimore, Maryland in March 2023.

This fall we began studying together to understand the nature of debate and the Jewish value of mahloket, in which multiple truths can be held and respect is given even for the minority opinion.

Though the question being debated is about business ethics and artificial intelligence, the skills about making

From Darkness to Light

By Anna Besser, Jack and Mildred Cohen Religious School Director Religious School

We are in the time period where the days grower shorter as we move from Cheshvan to Kislev. Chanukah falls at the end of Kislev, during the darkest time of the year, when the moon wanes and disappears, leaving darkness all around us. As the days of Chanukah progress, we light the candles, adding more light each night. On the last day of Chanukah, we are rewarded with a sliver of the new moon, and a chanukiyah full of candles, brightening the day.

Each night as we light the Chanukah candles, Rambam says we do so “to manifest and reveal the miracle” of Chanukah. A story of survival against all odds, of courage and belief in one’s ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. But what is the story of the lights? The lights have an important message for us as well.

They are telling us to slow down and revel in the quiet. We are so entangled in the noise of day-to-day life that we sometimes fail to truly notice that which is important. We neglect to focus on the present as our minds tend to race in all directions of time except the present. This Chanukah, I urge us to watch as the flames dance and listen to the gentle hissing sound of the flame; to

Teens do not have to be members of Moriah or North Suburban Synagogue Beth El to participate in the Jewish Teen Project, and they do not have to be members of the Jewish Teen Project to participate in our live social action programs.

For questions about our Jewish Teen Project, contact me at adrumm@ nssbethel.org

slow down, relax, and take notice of the lights.

A Chanukah Meditation (by Ellen Dannin; Ritualwell Tradition & Innovation)

What is the miracle of Chanukah?

Against all odds, we are here.

Against all common sense, we have lit these candles.

We see these flames before us now, a miracle.

We stand in community here, a miracle.

We see these flames leaping through space and time, joining us to history, to our people.

Let’s reflect on our ma’asim tovim-good deeds, spend time with our loved ones, and celebrate the moment.

5783 Is Off to a Great Start

By Judy Berkeley, Membership & Development Director

Mitzvah613

We are pleased to report that we’ve raised over $1.8M from over 200 donors so far.

Our goal is to raise a total of $2.5M in order to completely renovate and modernize our School Wing so that our Steinberg Pre-School and Cohen Religious School will be attractive to all of our current and incoming families who are looking for a state-of-the-art teaching facility with all of the new technology and learning environments that are available in this day and age.

With that in mind, stay tuned for information about a winter event in mid-January where we will meet with our architect Cyrus Subawalla and see first-hand the renderings of what our new School Wing will look like – made available to us with all the funds we are raising from this awesome project!

Kol Nidre Appeal

We hope you enjoyed this year’s Kol Nidre Appeal moving speeches given by Dr. Laurie Hochberg (Beth El) and Ben Leshem (HPHS). As a result, we have raised nearly $150,000 from 350 gifts so far. Whether you attended Kol Nidre this year in-person or via livestream,

or maybe you were home with your family, we hope and trust that you will make your Kol Nidre Appeal gift and participate in this vital Campaign this year. With so much extra security and other added measures needed to keep our congregants healthy and safe, every gift matters.

You can make your pledges online by simply going to nssbe.shulcloud.com, click on “donate” and then “online donation” once in your account, and Chesed is the first drop-down option, Kol Nidre Appeal is the second and Mitzvah613 is the third.

Please help us reach our budgetary goals this year once again by making your pledges to these vital causes that will preserve our very special Beth El community for our members now and for future generations as well.

For more information and to make your gifts, please reach out to me, at (847) 432-0703 or jberkeley@nssbethel.org.

Membership Update

By Judy Berkeley, Membership & Development Director

For those of you who were there at the Neilah service, hopefully you picked up our member interest form postcard. For those of you who weren’t, you can pick one up in the front office. We encourage everyone to fill this out so we can get our interest groups up and running!

College Connection

It’s not too late to sign up your college-age Beth El children for our College Connection program! While we’ve already sent out High Holiday and Chanukah packages, you can still sign them up to receive Purim and Pesach treats by scanning this QR code and filling out the form.

We welcome the following new families to NSS Beth El:

Brandon Beckerman & Jenna Stillwell

Jacki & Samuel Block and their children Maxwell 6 and Joseph 4

Emily Halpern Caminer & Mitchell Caminer

Roni & Jessica Cohen and their children Emmy 3, Kody 8 and Shay 6

David Eisenberg & Karen Lobl

Corey & Laura Fishman

Madeline Gimbel & Roni Rubinstein

Judy Glass

Carrie Herschman & Bradley Levison and their children Talia and Noa, 7

Janet Meller & Joel Kaplan

Ben & Maya Luger

Frank & Denise Phillips

Kimberly & Michael Preston

Arthur Rabinowitz & Maria Ponsillo

Randall Saks

Mark & Sivan Schondorf and their children

Arieh 9, Maya 11 and Rose 5

Katherine Blum & Michael Teich

Sarah & Jason Weil and their children Alex 5, Noah 10 and Aaron 7

Jamie & Brad Zaransky and their children Eli 8, Theo 6 and Estelle 3

We also welcome the following new Steinberg Pre-School families:

Molli & Michael Edwards and their child Remi 1

Jenna & Jeremy Frankenthal and their children Jeremy and Ella 1

Mia & Corey Glazer and their child Max 1

Rachel & Eric Hills and their child Jake 2 Collier & Brett Leviton and their child Remi 1

Alex Lelchuk & Jeff Lipkowitz and their child Ella 2

Alexis Myers & Joseph Preiser and their child Hailey 2

Daniel & Jennifer Rosen and their children Madden 7 and Vail 4

Jenny & David Savitt and their child Eli 2

Kate Schulte & Baird Dodge and their children Leo 0 and Rosie 4

October Ner Tamid /Bonim Donor Event with Chef Laura Frankel

Ritual Director Jump Into Shabbat with Hazzan Jenna Greenberg

By Hazzan Jenna Greenberg, Ritual Director

As a Hazzan, Tefillah (prayer) is very important to me! Whether leading or being in the kahal (congregation), whether teaching adults or children the how to’s of leading services or the meaning of our prayers, Jewish liturgy is at the heart of Judaism for me.

While teaching prayer literacy to all ages is essential for enhancing congregational life, like with any language, it is best to start one’s learning at a young age. And we pride ourselves at Beth El for beginning with our youngest generation, starting with our littlest tots and preschoolers, and honing their love of Yiddishkeit through song and prayer, an opportunity I feel honored to have on Sunday mornings.

Once our students reach their prime elementary school years, we have a wonderful Shabbat program at Beth El, as many of you already know, where our kids can further enhance their skills at Junior Congregation!

At 10:30 each Shabbat morning, please

join us in the Sager Beit Midrash, as we celebrate this year’s theme together each week: “Jump Into Shabbat!”

All NSS Beth El kids (CRS and Day School students): grades 2 through 6, are invited.

Attend 4 times: get a super bouncy ball

Attend 8 times: get a jump rope Attend 12 times: get a mega hopper ball

Attend 16 times: Win a trip to Altitude Trampoline Park on Sunday afternoon, April 30th! More details to come...

You will have opportunities to lead parts of the Shabbat service and even to read from the Torah…earning even our youngest readers a delicious Team Torah cookie!

If you are a day school student with a weekday portion you have been learning, please let me know if you are

Our Steinberg Pre-School Community

available to read the Shabbat following your reading at school.

If you are a CRS student who would like to take on a Torah reading, please reach out and I would be more than happy to prepare materials and work with you!!

Families are welcome, too! So please join me this year, 5783, as we Jump Into Shabbat together!

Pre-School

By Kory Goldenberg, Paul S. and Sylvia Steinberg Pre-School Director

Over the years I have written to you about the Paul S. and Sylvia Steinberg Pre-School and the wonderful things that happen here. I have told you about our professional, caring teachers, our cutting edge curriculum, our well-equipped classrooms and our amazing Gan Sylvia playground. None of this would matter without our families, the children and parents who make up our amazing community.

Our Parent Committee, led by Lucy Bortman, has been hard at work and already very busy starting this school year. They wrapped up our year in June with a wonderful Teacher Appreciation Luncheon and welcomed us all back this fall with a Back to School Ice Cream Social. Our various Parent Committees have started meeting to plan for all of the amazing things that happen throughout our school year.

Some of our parent committees are: Take Shabbat Home, Teek Bayit (Take Home Shabbat), Family Outreach, Fundraising, Art After Dark, Tu B’Shevat Extravaganza (Forest), Shema Pajama Party, Passover Seders, and our 4’s Shabbat Dinner. While benefiting the school and helping our children appreciate the joys of our rich Jewish heritage, we are also building a strong Jewish community. We see firsthand the friendships that have developed between our families, both with the children and parents. We see the empathy and caring nature that our families have for one another. Parents have reached out to other parents that are in need as well as to teachers that have experienced a loss or illness. They are forming friendships that will last beyond their children’s pre-school years. They are teaching their children the importance of gemilut chasadim

(acts of loving kindness), bikur cholim (visiting the sick), tzedakah (justice/ charity) and tikkun olam (repairing the world). I am so proud to be a part of this special community.

We invite you to join us or tell your friends about us. Registration will open on November 28th for the 20232024 school year and for our 8-week summer camp for infants through 4 year olds. We have classes for infants through toddlers accompanied by an adult called “Small and Tall”. PreSchool begins with Adult/Toddler and Transition classes for children 15 months old and continues through 4-5-year-old Pre-Kindergarten. For information and to arrange a tour, please contact me at kgoldenberg@nssbethel.org or 847-926-7907.

A “Snapshot” of the Youth Community

By Sarah Topal, Youth & Family Engagement Director

As the weather changes, programming for our youth community continues on! We have had incredible opportunities this year to join together in-person for songs and games with our Jeans and Jammies programs, reunite and eat sushi with our USY Sushi-in-the-Sukkah event, show off our climbing skills at Funtopia and so much more! Our programming continues, and this winter, it’s going to be bigger than ever before!

Program Highlights: Sukkot Celebrations

Over Sukkot, kids, tweens, teens and everyone in between had opportunities to celebrate Sukkot with Beth El. Through partnerships with the Paul S. and Sylvia Steinberg Pre-School and Young Family Programs and the Cohen Religious School and the Youth Commission, our youngest

the popular “Dessert Hop,” with stops all over for sweet treats taking place in January. Movie night, snacks and make-your-own pizza for our 6th-8th graders in our Youth Lounge. Put on your cozy pajamas, relax on our

We continue to plan events geared towards helping families and kids meet one another, feel a part of this community, and find meaning (and fun) in all activities. My challenge to all of you is to continue joining us for new programs and events and strive to make one new connection or friend. Not sure what is right for your family? Reach out and I’d love to help find programs or opportunities that are of interest to you. Have an idea of a program you’d love to see happen? Let me know! Above all, I would love to see you at our programs and create new memories!

students got to celebrate with a pizza and dance party full of stories and games and our elementary and middle school cohorts were challenged to make Sukkahs out of candy and other treats. Our youth groups continued the tradition of Sushi-in-the-Sukkah, with plenty of sushi for all and opportunities to make their own candy sushi to enjoy.

Upcoming Programs: Dessert Hop, Art Projects and Movie Nights

Even as the temperatures drop and the sun sets earlier, programming continues into the winter for kids of all ages! 8th-12th graders are invited to join on a bus trip into the city for

couches and join us on December 8 as Shabbat ends and our program begins! 2nd-5th graders are invited to show off their art skills on December 11 as we visit an art studio to create projects for Chanukah and make new friends!

For families with young children (ages 0-7), save the date for a family Chanukah party on December 19th, and for our favorite Jeans and Jammies on January 20th.

Whatever your age, we invite you to join us and make new friends, reunite with old ones and have a great time!

The Family Book Club is Back In-Person!

Sponsored by the Sisterhood Torah Fund Book Club and the Beth El Youth Community

All 3rd-7th graders, and adult readers of all ages, are invited to participate in our 7th annual Family Book Club on Sunday, February 12, right after Religious School at 12:00 pm.

After lunch, we’ll discuss the book Linked and enjoy a special “video visit” with author Gordon Korman.

When swastikas begin appearing all over town, Link, Michael, and Dana, the only Jewish girl in town, must face crimes both past and present to find the truth.

Every 3rd-7th grade family who RSVPs will receive a free copy of Linked while supplies last! Contact Rachel Kamin at rkamin@nssbethel.org to reserve your copy.

Lifelong Learning

60 Years of Museum Treasures @NSS Beth El

By Rachel Kamin, Director of Lifelong Learning

Sixty years ago, on January 4, 1962, the Board of Directors of North Suburban Synagogue Beth El established the Kol Ami Collection with a mission “to accept, collect and preserve objects of Jewish ceremonial art, articles of folklore, manuscripts and documents of historical value, in order to illustrate the biography and demography of the Jewish people . . . ” It was the dream of Maurice and Badona Spertus who donated many works that form the core of our museum treasures.

Today, the diverse collection encompasses works from the 18th century to modern times including paintings, sculptures, prints, rare books and Judaic ritual objects from around the

world. Museum Committee members

Marla Hand and Lilach Schrag work closely with me and Marcie Eskin to plan and install at least four exhibits each year that highlight treasures from our collection as well as the works of guest artists. I hope you had a chance to see our fall exhibit, The Twelve Tribes: Their Flags & Stones, the stained glass windows created and designed by Jerome B. Mann. These windows were removed during the 2016 renovation of the corridor around the sanctuary but we are working to install them in a new, permanent location in the building.

Over the years, we have taken advantage of the immense array of talented Jewish artists living in the Chicago

Take a Class This Winter!

area who have shared their work with us. Our next exhibit will be on display December - March and will feature the work of Ken Krimstein, a cartoonist, educator, and author of the new graphic novel When I Grow Up: The Lost Autobiographies of Six Yiddish Teenagers. Krimstein teaches at DePaul University and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and the book was an NPR Best Book of the Year, a Washington Post Top Ten Graphic Novel of 2021, and a Chicago Tribune Fall “Best Read.” Copies are available in our Maxwell Abbell Library and stay tuned for more information about the upcoming exhibit. And, save the date for an Artists Reception with Ken Krimstein on Wednesday evening, February 8.

The Gertrude Lederman Family Continuing Education courses at North Suburban Synagogue Beth El offer a wonderful chance to deepen your understanding of Jewish thought, culture, and identity. The new winter quarter will run January 8-March 17, 2023. Visit the Continuing Education page on the Beth El website for more information about all of our offerings. With more than a dozen classes, plus numerous special events and programs, offered in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings, both in-person and on Zoom, there’s something for everyone this winter! Questions? Contact Marcie Eskin at meskin@nssbethel.org or 847-926-7903.

History

Corner:

The Irving and Janet Robbin Scholar-in-Residence Program

By Mort Steinberg, Beth El Historian

Education has always been a top priority at Beth El. The tradition of inviting outside scholars began in 1951 with the Beth El Forum Series. Other speaker programs were established, including the Ronald and Ethel Taub Lectures, the Rabbi Philip L. Lipis Memorial Lecture, the Amy and Rabbi Irving Frankel Lecture, and others. Next year will mark the 40th

anniversary of the Irving and Janet Robbin Scholar-in-Residence.

Janet and Irving Robbin were longtime, devoted members of Beth El, having joined the synagogue with their daughters Karen and Sheryl in the early 1960s. Irv served on the Board of Directors, as Vice-President of Education and as Chairman of the Board of Education. He was also President of Camp Ramah in Wisconsin and of the National Ramah Commission, a founder of the Solomon Schechter Day Schools, and on the Chancellor’s Council and the Board of Overseers of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. A gifted teacher, Janet devoted herself to the education of children with special needs, serving as chair of the Tikvah Program at Camp Ramah and developing the Halomdim program at Beth El. She

was also active in the Sisterhood and the Youth Commission. In 1989 the couple was the first recipient of the Rabbi Philip L. Lipis Award in recognition of their exceptional service to our congregation.

In 1983, in consultation with Rabbi William Lebeau, the Robbins endowed a scholar in residence program to bring preeminent Jewish speakers to the Beth El community. This is a lasting legacy of two individuals passionately committed to Jewish education. The congregation is fortunate to be the beneficiary of that legacy.

Rabbi Elie Kaunfer, President and CEO of the Hadar Institute, will be the 2022 Irving and Janet Robbin Scholar in Residence on Saturday, December 10Sunday, December 11. See p.17 for more details or visit the Beth El website.

Sisterhood

Sisterhood News

One of the hallmarks of NSSBE’s Sisterhood has, for many years, been our support of the Conservative/Masorti Movement’s Torah Fund. Torah Fund, the dedicated philanthropy of Women’s League (our umbrella organization), supports students at the five Conservative/Masorti institutions of higher learning. Each affiliate/Sisterhood is given an annual Torah Fund fundraising goal.

Our Sisterhood is unique in that we have long met that goal by offering adult education classes. While donations in any amount are appreciated, a suggested minimum annual donation (currently $54) covers attendance at any or all of each year’s Torah Fund classes, all of which are open to everyone (women and men, Beth El members and non-members).

Our Torah Fund classes have traditionally been led by our clergy and synagogue directors and, more recently, master teachers in the lay Beth El community.

This year we’re trying something new. For 5783, Sisterhood is partnering with the Gertrude Lederman Continuing Education Program to sponsor ScholarStream, the Conservative Movement’s offering of seven online series headlined by the brightest and most engaging scholars our Movement has to offer. Anyone who makes a $54 minimum donation to our Torah Fund campaign can request a discount code, allowing them to access all 28 lectures for free.

(Otherwise, the cost for each of the seven series is $25.) All lectures are recorded and accessible to registered participants on their original airdate or at any later time. Visit the Torah Fund page under Community/Sisterhood at nssbethel.org for more information.

We’re also excited to provide to our Beth El donors several supplementary programs, moderated by our clergy and synagogue directors, highlighting selected lecture topics, offering an opportunity for additional insights, conversation and feedback. Watch your Sisterhood and CE emails for details about these auxiliary events. Of course, our popular Book Club, led since its inception by Rachel Kamin, is still an integral and valued element of our Torah Fund curriculum.

5783’s donors of $180 and above receive this year’s Torah Fund pin/ pendant, entitled “Chazak v’Ematz” (Be Strong and Courageous), which celebrates 80 years of the Torah Fund Campaign.

Donations to Torah Fund are separate from Sisterhood membership.

Upcoming ScholarStream and Torah Fund Book Club Events

SCHOLARSTREAM

Torah Fund donors are invited to experience select ScholarStream lectures together in person and discuss these “Burning Questions” with our clergy and educators:

Changing Times: How Do We Know When to Change or When to Stay the Course?

Monday, December 5, 8:00 pm

Enjoy hot cocoa bombs & chocolate treats plus a discussion about changing times facilitated by Rabbi Alex Freedman.

What’s Next for Conservative Judaism?

Tuesday, January 17, 8:00 pm

Sign up to write your own letter in the Torah as part of Mitzvah613, shop the Used Book Sale, and discuss the future of Conservative Judaism with Rabbi Alex Freedman. Wine & cheese will be served!

Why Should We Invest in Synagogue Schools?

Monday, February 6, 7:00 pm

Join us for a special Tu B’Shevat reception before evening Minyan, followed by a conversation on the value of supplemental synagogue schools with Ali Drumm, Director of Congregational Learning, and Anna Besser, Director of the Jack and Mildred Cohen Religious School.

SISTERHOOD TORAH FUND BOOK CLUB

Thursday, January 19, 7:00 pm

Author Jacqueline Saper will discuss her memoir From Miniskirt to Hijab: A Girl in Revolutionary Iran in-person at NSS Beth El and on the Livestream.

Saturday, January 21, 12:30 pm

Rachel Kamin will facilitate a discussion of From Miniskirt to Hijab, a coming-of-age story of a half Iranian and half English Jewish girl before, during and after the Islamic Revolution in Iran. In-person, after Shabbat Kiddush.

The Book Club will continue in March, April & June 2023. Stay tuned for more details. Participants are encouraged to make a minimum donation of $54 to the Torah Fund Campaign. Copies of the books are available in the Gray Cultural & Learning Center and from public libraries, as well as from local and online booksellers. Questions? Contact Rachel Kamin, Director of Lifelong Learning, at rkamin@nssbethel.org or 847/926-7902.

Excerpts from a D’var Torah delivered to Sisterhood by Pam Schlosberg

Men’s

Club

Men’s Club Corner

By Dan Gross, Men’s Club President

The Men’s Club won the 2022 Northern Illinois Synagogue Men’s Club softball championship going undefeated. The league was founded 10 years ago by Beth El’s Michael Salberg and has 10 teams from shuls around Northern Illinois.

Beth El Participants include:

Michael Salberg

Josh Atlas

Bob

Doppelt

Ari Silver

Oren Rasowsky

Brian Cohen

Noah

Pere

Weininger

Berkowitz

Dan Ripes

Jon Gordon

Rick

Small Avram Pachter

Jonathan

Graham Andrew Merril

Steve Kolmin

The HAZAK Senior Life Committee Celebrates the Holidays!

By Jackie Melinger and Mary Ellen Bowers Goldsmith, HAZAK Chairs

The HAZAK Committee enhanced the Rosh Hashanah celebration for approximately 45 members living in Senior Living Communities

and in their own homes. The decorated boxes included individual apple pies, honey, hand lotion, Hershey’s candy bar (wrapped in a Rosh Hashanah label), tea bags and homemade cards created by our Beth El Religious and Pre-School kids.

The HAZAK in the Sukkah Celebration was

Together Again

attended by approximately 60 seniors and volunteers. Hazzan Greenberg led prayers in the Sukkah and then she and Hazzan Sandler led a wonderful song session. Rabbi Freedman and Rabbi Schwab each presented thoughtful teachings about Sukkot to the group. A delicious lunch from The Sandwich Club was provided and the tables had beautiful decorations made by the Steinberg

Pre-School and the Cohen Religious School students. Attendees, including a few newer Beth El members, had a wonderful time socializing and participating. They were happy to be spending time together.

The efforts to support our treasured seniors continues to be very rewarding. If you would like to get involved, please contact Jackie (jackiemelinger@gmail.com) or Mary Ellen (eyerishmar@comcast.net).

continued from page 2

every day of the week. We also offer Zoom/ Livestream for those that cannot attend in-person.

Our Steinberg Pre-School and Cohen Religious School continue to grow. When you have the best teachers and the best curriculum you get the best outcomes. We are finishing plans to remodel our education wing. We look forward to sharing the architect

plans in the coming months.

Beth El has also recovered nicely from the pandemic from a financial perspective. For our most recent fiscal year we had a balanced budget and are projecting the same again this year. In fact, due to one-time pandemic related government grant programs, we had a small surplus. I want to thank our members for supporting Beth El each year and espe-

cially during the pandemic. Our membership is over one thousand families strong which makes us all Beth El Proud!

As always, feel free to contact me at any time – president@nssbethel.org

Wishing everyone a Happy Chanukah and a happy and healthy secular New Year.

From Syria to Chicago: Update on NSS Beth El’s Sponsored Family

By Margaret Cohn, HIAS Volunteer

As many of you know, NSS Beth El’s refugee family arrived in May and were immediately enfolded in the generosity and loving kindness of our congregation.

The Steinberg Pre-School organized to purchase new linens, cleaning supplies and household items; for her mitzvah project, Julia Block purchased and delivered most of the fresh food and pantry items; many congregants donated gently used items and/or money to help us reach our goal of $10,000 to support the family for their first three months.

I wish I could tell you their names but it

is not allowed according to the rules of HIAS. What I can tell you is that there is a father who is struggling to learn English but was able to pass the driving test and get his license. A mother who is gaining language proficiency every day and has formed a warm bond with all 6 of our NSS Beth El mentor/tutor volunteers. There is a high school age boy who is earning A’s in all of his classes and is looking for a part-time job. And an older brother who has secured a full-time job and a learner’s permit for driving. The mother’s parents arrived mid June and because of NSS Beth El’s generosity we were able to fully furnish

The Annual Used Book Sale @NSS Beth El

By Ellen Lavin, Chair of the Cultural & Learning Center (CLC) Committee

Book Sale: January 13-22, 2023

We are now collecting donations for the Used Book Sale. Drop off like new and gently used hardcovers or paperbacks - secular and Judaic, adult and children’s fiction and non-fiction – in a clearly marked, sturdy box or bag by January 12. Please refrain from donating textbooks, “how-to” & technology guides (unless they are brand new!), old travel guides, calendars, dated reference books, and test preparation resources. Dirty, moldy, and damaged books belong in the recycle bin or trash can! Do not waste our volunteers’ time and our maintenance crew’s efforts by donating these unsellable books.

If you have old, worn out siddurim, chumashim, or other holy books, please place them in our Genizah box

and provision a separate apartment for them across the street. The older couple is taking care of health issues with the help of their daughter and NSS Beth El volunteers to drive them and help them navigate our healthcare system.

I will finish with the words from a text I received on Erev Rosh Hashanah from the mother of this family: “How are you? I miss you so much. Happy Jewish New Year. I wish to see you soon.”

Thank you to each and every one of you who helped this lovely family finally find a place to call home.

right inside the office doors. Questions about what needs to go in the Genizah? Contact Hazzan Jenna Greenberg at jgreenberg@nssbethel.org.

Volunteers are needed to help set up the sale on Thursday, January 12, 6:00-7:30pm (pizza will be served!) as well as during the book sale and with close-down. Bar/Bat Mitzvah and high school student volunteers are welcome!

Contact Marcie Eskin at meskin@ nssbethel.org or 847-926-7903 for the volunteer sign-up.

The 2023 Used Book Sale provides a service to our congregants and is a way to earn extra funds for our Gray Cultural & Learning Center. We thank you in advance for your donations and your support!

It’s All in the Beth El Family

Mazel Tov to:

Back to Shul Challenge participants

Ben and Mary Channon on their 13th wedding anniversary

Ben Channon on the 25th anniversary of his Bar Mitzvah

Jan and Brian Channon on the birth of their granddaughter, Rivka Chaya

Sara and Steve Coven on the birth of their grandson, Evyatar Simcha Ostrow Rabbi Charles and Deborah Dobrusin on the birth of their grandchild, Zev Asher Dobrusin

Jan Gaines and Andrew Kehoe on the engagement of their son Jason Gaines, to Miranda Smerling

Janice and Steve Hefter on the birth of their grandson

Jessica Hochberg, daughter of Laurie and Andy Hochberg and Itamar Jacob Allali, son of Miri and Avi Allali, on their Shabbat Hattan

Condolences to:

Jan Gaines (Andy Kenoe) on the loss of her father, Leon Blitt

Avrum Gray on the loss of his sister, Elaine Loseff

Roberta Goodman on the loss of her husband, Robert “Bob” Goodman

Jeffrey (Michelle) Heftman on the loss of his mother, Ronna Sue Heftman

Steven Horak (Elena Silberman Scott) on the loss of his father, Edwin M. Horak

Julie (Colman) Kraff on the loss of her mother, Diane Heller

Blair (Michael) Miller on the loss of her mother, Rory Samberg

Kiddush Sponsors:

Miri and Avi Allali

Lindsay and Brian Cohen

Mary Ellen Bowers and Larry Goldsmith Marla and Terry Grossberg

Marlene and Seth Halpern Michelle and Jack Hirschfield Laurie and Andy Hochberg

Gerry Kaplan on the marriage of her grandson Ben Kaplan to Melissa Adler

Betsy and Michael Katz on their 80th birthdays

Michael Katz on the anniversary of his Bar Mitzvah

Bobbi and Jeff Kwall on the birth of their granddaughter, Kaia Madison Ken Levin on his birthday

Mark and Sandra Levin on the birth of their grandchildren, Alana Leigh and Zoe Emunah

Jay Lerner and Robyn Cohen on the marriage of their son Austin Lerner to Melissa Weinberg

Julie Rheinstrom, daughter of Jori Saks and Stephen Reinstrom, and Joshua Fattal on their marriage

Sheldon and Merle Rosenfeld on the birth of their great-grandson, Evyatar Simcha Ostrow

Rabbi Michael Schwab on the anniversary of his Bar Mitzvah

Cindy Shekhtman on the birth of her granddaughter Malka Elisheva Shekhtman. Proud parents are Louis Shekhtman and Rachel Tiferet.

Leora Sherman, daughter of Fran and Jonathan Sherman, and Gavin Ross on their marriage

Elliott Simon on his birthday

Stephanie and Michael Smerling on the engagement of their daughter Miranda to Jason Gaines

Lori Stark and David Shapiro on their 36th wedding anniversary

Mira Temkin on her 71st birthday

The Family of Richard Rosenfield on their loss

Harriet (Joseph) Resnick on the loss of his father, Maurice Samuel Richter

Keith (Marci) Shapiro on the loss of his father, Jack Shapiro

Russell (Julie) Simmons and family on the loss of his mother, Frances June Simmons

Harriet (Thomas) Stiller on the loss of her sister, Marsha Honey Patterson Merle (Dr. Steven) Tovian on loss of her mother, Sarah Stella Schwartz

IN

MEMORIAM:

Robert “Bob” Goodman Richard Rosenfield

Carly and Jefford Humes

Jay Lerner

NSS Beth El Men’s Club

NSS Beth El Sisterhood Esther and Marcos Shemaria Pipco Jori Saks and Stephen Rheinstrom Miriam and Mike Rudolph

Fran and Jonathan Sherman Susan and Elliott Simon Team Torah

Todah Rabbah

WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE FOLLOWING CONTRIBUTIONS:

Rabbi Schwab Discretionary Fund

In honor of Emily and Mitchell Caminer’s wedding and with appreciation to Rabbi Schwab - Marlene and Seth Halpern

In honor of Gavin Ross’s conversion and with appreciation to Rabbi Schwab - Leora Sherman and Gavin Ross

In honor of Highland Park and the Beth El community - Sharon and Michael Monsour

In honor of Jenna and Brandon Beckerman’s marriage and with appreciation to Rabbi SchwabStephen and Carol Beckerman

In honor of Madeline Gimbel and Roni Rubinstein’s wedding and with appreciation to Rabbi SchwabDavid and Jodi Gimbel

In honor of Neil Greenbaum’s 90th birthday - Philip and Doreen Feitelberg

In honor of Rabbi Schwab and thanks for the meaningful High Holiday services - Michael and Karen Kesner

In honor of the birth of our first grandchild, Aiden Henry Sherling - Mark and Julia Gerstein

In memory of Berenice and Ralph Epstein, beloved mother and father - Samuel and Irene Shanes

In memory of Diane Heller, beloved mother of Julie (Colman) Kraff, beloved sister, grandmother and great-grandmother

- Robert and Laurie Levin

- Paul and Vicki Morton

In memory of Evelyn Smiley, beloved motherStephen and Judy Smiley

In memory of Harry Reisin, beloved grandfatherRichard and Karen Reisin

In memory of Jack Shapiro, beloved father of Keith (Marci) Shapiro, beloved husband, grandfather and great-grandfather

- Paul and Vicki Morton - Jeff and Lisa Rosenkranz

In memory of Jean Lang, beloved mother of Judy Smiley - Stephen and Judy Smiley

In memory of Maurice Samuel Richter, beloved father of Harriet (Joseph) Resnick, Rodney (Gena) Richter, beloved husband and grandfather - Andrea and Ben Leshem

- Joel and Gail Tenner

In memory of Orli Sheffey, beloved daughter - Steven and Timna Sheffey

In memory of Philip Lapin, and with appreciation to Rabbi Schwab - The Lapin Family

In memory of Rebecca Copeland, beloved daughter of Elizabeth and David Copeland - Cheryl and Peter Waldstein

In memory of Sarah Stella Schwartz, beloved mother of Merle (Dr. Steven) Tovian and beloved grandmother - June Back Frydman

In memory of the victims of the July 4th shootingLeslie Weiner and Family

In memory of Tillie and Abraham Shanes, beloved mother and father - Samuel and Irene Shanes

In memory of Willard Aaron, beloved husbandSally Aaron

With appreciation for the Mishaberach - Joe and Susan Adler

With appreciation to Rabbi Schwab - Larry and Ellen Goldstein - Andrew and Laurie Hochberg - Marilyn Lewis

With appreciation to Rabbi Schwab for leading my father’s dedication service - Steve and Janice Hefter

Rabbi Freedman Discretionary Fund

In honor of Madeline Gimbel and Roni Rubinstein’s wedding and with appreciation to Rabbi Freedman - David and Jodi Gimbel

In honor of Rabbi Freedman and thanks for the meaningful High Holiday service - Michael and Karen Kesner

In honor of Steve and Merle Tovian - June Back Frydman

In honor of Tami and Reuben Warshawsky on the birth of their grandchild - Merle and Sheldon Rosenfeld

In honor of the baby naming of Charlotte Lynn Affrunti and with appreciation to Rabbi Freedman - Stephen Levin

In memory of Diane Heller, beloved mother of Julie (Colman) Kraff, beloved sister, grandmother and great-grandmother - Ira and Elise Frost

In memory of Elaine Loseff, beloved sister of Avrum Gray - Allan and Elaine Muchin

In memory of Fred Caplan - Fran and Joel Rabinowitz

In memory of Marsha Patterson, beloved sister and with appreciation to Rabbi Freedman - Thomas and Harriet Stiller

With appreciation to Rabbi Freedman - Ralph and Janis Katz - Marilyn Lewis

With appreciation to Rabbi Freedman for all of his help - Frances Lee Zand

With appreciation to Rabbi Freedman for facilitating Zelda Lielles Simchat Bat - Dr. Jonathan and Marissa Rosenberg

Rabbi Kurtz Discretionary Fund

In memory of Elick Lindon, beloved father - Gary and Debbie Lindon

In memory of Ludwig Hofman, beloved fatherGary and Debbie Lindon

In memory of Trudy Westheimer, beloved auntGary and Debbie Lindon

Hazzan Sandler Discretionary Fund

In honor of Ela Weininger’s solo during High Holiday services - Howard and Mindy Bain

In honor of Hazzan Jacob Sandler - Mr. and Mrs. Ivan Zubin

In honor of Hazzan Sandler and thanks for the meaningful High Holiday services - Michael and Karen Kesner

In memory of Daniel Drumm, beloved brother of Michael (Ali) Drumm, beloved son and uncleJune Back Frydman

In memory of Rory Samberg, beloved mother of Blair (Michael) Miller, beloved wife, sister and grandmother - Darrell and Wendy Katz

With appreciation to Hazzan Sandler

- Larry and Ellen Goldstein

- Andrew and Laurie Hochberg

With appreciation to Hazzan Sandler for Torah learning support - Julie Isaacson

Hazzan Greenberg Discretionary Fund

In honor of Hazzan Jenna Greenberg joining our clergy team - Sandy Starkman and Larry Pachter

In honor of the birth of my granddaughter, Malka Elisheva Shekhtman - Cindy Shekhtman

Adolph M. and Lottye Jacobson Education Endowment Fund

In honor of my Aliyah - Harvey Jacobson

Ba’al Korei Fund

In honor of Donna Becker and her kindness and caring - June Back Frydman

In memory of Howard Turner, beloved father, grandfather and brother - June Back Frydman

Ben and Marion Drachler Education Endowment Fund

In memory of Ben Drachler, beloved fatherA. Michael and Nancy Drachler

In memory of Marion Drachler, beloved motherA. Michael and Nancy Drachler

Cal and Lane Eisenberg Halomdim Program Endowment Fund

In memory of Lana Eisenberg, beloved wife of Calvin Eisenberg, beloved mother and beloved grandmother - Richard and Lila Kohn

Camp Ramah General Scholarship Endowment Fund

In memory of Maurice Samuel Richter, beloved father of Harriet (Joseph) Resnick, Rodney (Gena) Richter, beloved husband and grandfather - Harlan and Robin Loeb

Todah Rabbah

WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE FOLLOWING CONTRIBUTIONS:

Capital Improvement Fund

In memory of Morrie Schaffer, beloved husband of Ina Schaffer, beloved father of Victoria (Greg Vainstock) and Matthew Schaffer, beloved grandfather and beloved brother - Judy Levin

Fertig Family College Campus Visits Endowment Fund

In memory of Jack Shapiro, beloved father of Keith (Marci) Shapiro, beloved husband, grandfather and great-grandfather - Maury and Nancy Fertig

General Fundraising Fund

In memory of Leon Blitt, beloved father of Jan Gaines (Andy Kenoe), beloved husband and grandfather - David Smerling

In memory of Richard Rosenfield, beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather - Carol Beitler

Gertrude Lederman Family Continuing Education Fund

In honor of Lori Stark and David Shapiro’s 36th wedding anniversary - Sandy Starkman and Larry Pachter

In honor of Rachel Kamin and all the books donated for our community - Yosef Yaffe

In honor of Sandy Starkman and Larry PachterJune Back Frydman

In honor of the marriage of Zev Tovian, son of Merle and Dr. Steven Tovian - Ira and Elise Frost

In memory of Daniel Drumm, beloved brother of Michael (Ali) Drumm, beloved son and unclePatricia Shapiro

In memory of David Gertelman, beloved brother. Thank you for the opportunity to Zoom in to Minyan to say Kaddish - Elliot H. Gertel

In memory of Robert Goodman, beloved husband of Roberta Goodman, beloved father and brotherDavid Fishbaum and Anne McDonagh

In memory of Sarah Stella Schwartz, beloved mother of Merle (Dr. Steven) Tovian and beloved grandmother

- Robert and Beth Footlik

- Ira and Elise Frost

- Michael and Karen Kesner

- Millie Weber

Glass Family Music Endowment Fund

In memory of Diane Heller, beloved mother of Julie (Colman) Kraff, beloved sister, grandmother and great-grandmother - Philip and Ellen Glass

Hazak Fund

In honor of JoAnne Blumberg becoming a grandmother and Barbara Blumberg becoming a great-grandmother - Barbara Freeman

In honor of Mary Ellen Bowers’ Simchat Torah honor as Kallat Bereishit

- Ruth Fischer

- Michael and Karen Kesner

- Michael and Jackie Melinger

- Daniel and Ronit Ripes

- Patricia Shapiro

In honor of the 70th anniversary of Sylvia and Sidney Pachter - Sandy Starkman and Larry Pachter

In honor of the birth of Rivkah Chaya Miller, daughter of Zachary and Rachel Miller and granddaughter of Brian and Jan Channon - Sandy Starkman and Larry Pachter

In honor of Wendy Abrams receiving the 2022 Chicago Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award - Larry Goldsmith and Mary Ellen Bowers

In memory of Sarah Stella Schwartz, beloved mother of Merle (Dr. Steven) Tovian and beloved grandmother - Donald and Joyce Joseph With appreciation to HAZAK

- Maurice and Ora Aaron

- Arthur and Judith Coren

- Barbara Freeman

Israel Scholarship Endowment Fund

In memory of Harold Smith, beloved grandfather of David Smith, Michelle Wasserman, Yael and AriSandy Starkman and Larry Pachter

Jack and Mildred Cohen Religious School Endowment Fund

In honor of Aaron Krumbein’s Simchat Torah honor as Hatan Torah - Steve and Wendy Abrams

In honor of Mary Ellen Bowers’ Simchat Torah honor as Kallat Bereishit - Steve and Wendy Abrams

In memory of Jack Shapiro, beloved father of Keith (Marci) Shapiro, beloved husband, grandfather and great-grandfather - Steve and Wendy Abrams

In memory of Lois Hirschfield, beloved motherDavid and Pamela Hirschfield

Joseph and Mae Gray Cultural and Learning Center Fund

In honor of Aaron Krumbein’s Simchat Torah honor as Hatan Torah - Daniel and Ronit Ripes

In honor of JoAnne Blumberg’s 60th birthdayJulie Isaacson

In honor of Marilyn Hirsh and Gary Gordon - Felicia Gross

In honor of Rachel Kamin’s wonderful sermonGary Gordon and Marilyn Hirsch

In memory of Elaine Loseff, beloved sister of Avrum Gray - Amanda Chong

In memory of Sarah Stella Schwartz, beloved mother of Merle (Dr. Steven) Tovian and beloved

grandmother - Gary Gordon and Marilyn Hirsch

Kopin Family Children’s T’filot Endowment Fund

In memory of Jack Shapiro, beloved father of Keith (Marci) Shapiro, beloved husband, grandfather and great-grandfather - Myrna Kopin

LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Fund

In honor of Aaron Krumbein’s Simchat Torah honor as Hatan Torah - Michael and Karen Kesner

In honor of Adam Rudolph and Joseph Shermaria Pipco’s Aufruf - Michael and Karen Kesner

Maxwell Abbell Library Fund

In honor of Evan Kamin, son of Rachel and Michael Kamin, on becoming a Bar Mitzvah - Patricia Shapiro

In honor of Marc Richard’s birthday - Marc and Devorah Richards

In honor of Rachel and Mike Kamin’s 20th wedding anniversary - Brad and Marcie Pickard

In honor of the birth of Marcie and Rick Eskin’s granddaughter, Elisheva Yonah Eskin - Gerry Kaplan

In honor of the Simchat Torah honorees for 5783: Mary Ellen Bowers as Kallat Bereishit, Holly Reinsdorf as Kol Nearim and Aaron Krumbein as Hatan Torah - Sandy Starkman and Larry Pachter

In memory of Bee Greenstein, beloved grandmother - Steve and Marcie Friedman

In memory of Daniel Drumm, beloved brother of Michael (Ali) Drumm, beloved son and uncleBrad and Marcie Pickard

In memory of Mildred Lashinsky Starkman, Sidney L. Starkman, Annette Berg, Richard Berg and all our loved ones at Yizkor Yom Kippur - Sandy Starkman and Larry Pachter

In memory of Milton Feinberg - Michael and Susan Millenson

In memory of Richard I. Zand, beloved son of Frankie Lee Zand and Philip Zand z”l, beloved father of Nox and Noah Zand and beloved brother - Gerry Kaplan

In memory of Sarah Stella Schwartz, beloved mother of Merle (Dr. Steven) Tovian and beloved grandmother - Gerry Kaplan

- Brad and Marcie Pickard

Minyan Service Fund

In memory of Carol Linch, beloved mother on her 2nd yahrzeit - Steven and Susan Linch and Family

In memory of Katherine Mitzenmacher, beloved neighbor - David Fishbaum and Anne McDonagh

Todah Rabbah

WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE FOLLOWING CONTRIBUTIONS:

Miriam and Bernard H. Sokol Hebrew High School Endowment Fund

In honor of Aaron Krumbein’s Simchat Torah honor as Hatan Torah - Ronnie Jo Sokol

In honor of Holly Reinsdorf’s Simchat Torah honor as Kol Nearim - Ronnie Jo Sokol

In honor of Mary Ellen Bowers’ Simchat Torah honor as Kallat Bereishit - Ronnie Jo Sokol

NSS Beth El Camp Scholarship Fund

In memory of Maurice Samuel Richter, beloved father of Harriet (Joseph) Resnick, Rodney (Gena) Richter, beloved husband and grandfather - Len and Bobbie Tenner

In memory of George Goldenberg, M.D., beloved father - Harris and Sharon Goldenberg

NSS Beth El Men’s Club Special Gifts Fund

In honor of Aaron Krumbein’s Simchat Torah honor as Hatan Torah - David Fishbaum and Anne McDonagh

In honor of Matt Pestine - Sanford Glass

NSS Beth El Sisterhood Special Gifts Fund

In honor of Karen Weiss - Jodi Eisenstadt

NSS Beth El Special Gifts Fund

In honor of Ela Weininger - Howard and Ruthlynn Shapiro

In honor of Holly Reinsdorf’s Simchat Torah honor as Kol Nearim - Michael and Karen Kesner

In memory of Diane Heller, beloved mother of Julie (Colman) Kraff, beloved sister, grandmother and great-grandmother - Ira and Deborah Rosenberg

In memory of Elaine Loseff, beloved sister of Avrum Gray - Lawrence and Barbara Field

In memory of Howard Turner, beloved father, grandfather and brother - Barry and Deborah Rosen

In memory of Leon Blitt, beloved father of Jan Gaines (Andy Kenoe), beloved husband and grandfather - Scott and Janet LeVee

In memory of Leonard Goldenberg, beloved father of Kory Goldenberg (Danny Baer) and Jaime Goldenberg, beloved husband of Karen Goldenberg and beloved grandfather - Friends of Kory Goldenberg

In memory of Margaret Saltzman, beloved mother of Amy Yaffe - Carol Steinberg and Peter Yaffe

In memory of Morrie Schaffer, beloved husband of Ina Schaffer, beloved father of Victoria (Greg Vainstock) and Matthew Schaffer, beloved grandfather and beloved brother - James and Sue Kach

In memory of Philip Lapin, beloved husband of Phyllis Lapin, beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather - The Farkas Family

In memory of Sarah Stella Schwartz, beloved mother of Merle (Dr. Steven) Tovian and beloved grandmother - Sam and Judith Bernstein

Wishing a complete and speedy recovery to Charles Kafenshtok - Leslie and Gene Jacobs

With appreciation for the valet parking at High Holidays - Ronnie Jo Sokol

Paul S. and Sylvia Steinberg Pre-School Endowment Fund

In memory of Lillian Weinberg, beloved mother of Ellen (Larry) Goldstein, beloved grandmother and great-grandmother - Mort and Miriam Steinberg

In memory of Sarah Stella Schwartz, beloved mother of Merle (Dr. Steven) Tovian and beloved grandmother - Mort and Miriam Steinberg

Paul S. and Sylvia Steinberg PreSchool Fund

In memory of Leonard Goldenberg, beloved father of Kory Goldenberg (Danny Baer) and Jaime Goldenberg, beloved husband of Karen Goldenberg and beloved grandfather - Jared and Arielle Berk - Brad and Jamie Zaransky

In memory of Wendy - Daniel and Abby Kaman

In memory of Rory Samberg, beloved mother of Blair (Michael) Miller, beloved wife, sister and grandmother - Robin Zacharias

Prayer Book Fund

In memory of Charles and Gertrude Harris, beloved parents - Rhoda and Robert Rothman

In memory of Daniel Drumm, beloved brother of Michael (Ali) Drumm, beloved son and uncleSteven and Frances Shapiro

In memory of Sarah Stella Schwartz, beloved mother of Merle (Dr. Steven) Tovian and beloved grandmother - Steven and Frances Shapiro

Pushke/Tzedakah Fund

In memory of Allen Weber, beloved son - Millie Weber

In memory of Gina Back, beloved mother - June Back Frydman

In memory of Harry Back, beloved father - June Back Frydman

In memory of Philip Lapin, beloved husband of Phyllis Lapin, beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather - Millie Weber

In memory of Samuel Kurchitzer, beloved fatherMillie Weber

Ritual Refurbishment Endowment Fund

In honor of the birth of Eliana Rachel Babendir, granddaughter of JoAnne Blumberg and great-granddaughter of Barbara Blumberg - Shael and Myrna Siegel

In memory of Daniel Drumm, beloved brother of Michael (Ali) Drumm, beloved son and uncleBarbara Blumberg

In memory of Dr. Shayle Gerstein - Barbara Blumberg

In memory of Edith Rose, beloved mother of Sue Rose - Barbara Blumberg

In memory of Lillian Weinberg, beloved mother of Ellen (Larry) Goldstein, beloved grandmother and great-grandmother - Barbara Blumberg

In memory of Philip Lapin, beloved husband of Phyllis Lapin, beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather - Barbara Blumberg

In memory of Sarah Stella Schwartz, beloved mother of Merle (Dr. Steven) Tovian and beloved grandmother - Barbara Blumberg

Sarah and Henry Stiebel Solomon Schechter Endowment Fund

In memory of Shirley Levin, beloved motherBradley and Sherry Levin

Sherman Family Camp Ramah Endowment Fund

In honor of the marriage of Jonah Harris and Maya Feldman - Sandy Starkman and Larry Pachter

In honor of the wedding of Paul Sherman, son of Fran and Johnathan Sherman, to Kerry HonanSandy Starkman and Larry Pachter

Social Action Fund

In honor of Pam and Richard Schlosberg - June Back Frydman

Staff Recognition Fund

In honor of the dedication of the staff of NSS Beth El - Gary Gordon and Marilyn Hirsch

Youth Community Fund

In honor of Holly Reinsdorf’s Simchat Torah honor as Kol Nearim - Daniel and Ronit Ripes

In honor of Zachary Brajer, son of Leah and Jori Brajer, on becoming a Bar Mitzvah - Patricia Shapiro

Students

Bar Mitzvah Elior Ginsberg, son of Hazzan Jenna Greenberg and Rabbi Joshua Ginsberg

December 24, 2022

Bat Mitzvah Noa Schwab, daughter of Erica and Rabbi Michael Schwab January 28, 2023

Bar Mitzvah Zachary Rosenberg, son of Pamela and Jonathan Rosenberg December 3, 2022

Bat Mitzvah Noa Minkus, daughter of Laura and Michael Minkus February 18, 2023

Bat Mitzvah Miriam Schwab, daughter of Erica and Rabbi Michael Schwab January 28, 2023

Recent Happenings - Summer and Fall

Chanukah at Beth El in 5783

THE WOMEN OF THE CHANUKAH STORY

Wednesday, December 14 - 8:00 pm - in

the Zell or on Zoom

Join the Sisterhood for this special presentation by Rabbi Marianne Novak. We all know the story of Chanuakah - the Greeks, the Temple, the oil, the miracle, etc. But there are a number of women who were also included in the Chanukah story. Who are they, what was/is their role in the observance of Chanukah and why don’t we talk about them more? Watch for emails with more information.

CHANUKAH GLOW PARTY

Monday, December 19 - 5:00-6:15 pm

The Steinberg Pre-School and NSS Beth El young families are invited to a wild night of glowing Chanukah fun! Join us for an early kid-friendly dinner, dancing, games, candle lighting, and so many Chanukah surprises! RSVP information will be coming soon so make sure to Save the Date. We cannot wait to celebrate Chanukah with all of you!

THE MAGIC OF CHANUKAH

The Illusions of Glen Gerard

Wednesday, December 21 - 5:30-6:30 pm

Doors open at 5:15 p.m. - FREE

Join us for a Vegas style illusion show, performed by professional magician, Glen Gerard. Suitable for all ages, Glen has performed these large stage illusions for the Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks and the Green Bay Packers. He has also entertained on cruise ships and in Las Vegas showrooms. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the “Magic of Chanukah” live at Beth El!

CHINESE DINNER & A MOVIE

Thursday, December 22, 5:00 pm

Our Chinese Dinner & a Movie program is back! Celebrate the 5th Night of Chanukah with a delicious kosher Chinese buffet and a special movie screening co-sponsored by the Gray Cultural & Learning Center, the Sisterhood, and the Hazak Community. $30/person. Make your reservations online by December 12. Questions? Contact Marcie Eskin at meskin@nssbethel.org or 847-926-7903.

1175 Sheridan Road

Highland Park, IL 60035

Address service requested

Squashing Winter

By Chef Laura Frankel, Director of Circle of Life Catering

These recipes are all about comfort and joy. Can a squash bring joy? I say YES! When the recipe yields a final end result that is versatile, easy to make, economical and can be served dairy, meat or pareve. OH JOY!

Rabbi’s Day off Cocktail or AKA-Pear Brandy Sour

2 oz pear brandy

2 oz pear nectar or fresh pear juice

.75 oz fresh lemon juice

.5 oz simple syrup

1 pear slice

1. Shake brandy, pear nectar, lemon juice and simple syrup with ice until chilled and foamy. Serve up or over ice.

2. Garnish with pear slice.

Butternut Squash Gnocchi

The gnocchi are purely delicious comfort. They are light and very addictive when sauteed in brown butter with sage and topped with a shower of parm. They are the perfect soaker-upper with brisket and they are a delight with sauteed mushrooms and kale in a delicious extra virgin olive oil for a Chanukah feast. Add to your favorite soups, stews and sheet pan dinners. Work once and enjoy many ways. Now that is JOY!

1-pound butternut squash, cut in half and seeds scooped out

1 tablespoon olive oil

Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper

12- to 14-ounce russet potato, peeled, quartered

2 large eggs, beaten to blend

1/2 teaspoons freshly grated nutmeg

1 teaspoon sea salt

1-1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter (optional)

2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage

Additional grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 350F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper

1. Drizzle cut side of squash with evoo and season with salt and pepper. Place cut side down on parchment and roast until easily pierced with a

From top: ingredients for Rabbi’s day off cocktail, Ingredients for gnocchi, finished plated gnocchi

knife, about 45 minutes. Allow to cool and then scrape flesh into a bowl.

2. Boil whole potatoes until tender and easily pierced with a paring knife. Scrape potato flesh onto work surface.

3. Mix potato and squash together. Make a well in the center and add eggs, cheese, nutmeg, salt and ½ cup flour. Lightly work mixture until a dough forms, adding flour as necessary.

4. Divide dough into 8 pieces. Roll one piece into a rope. Cut ½ inch thick gnocchi and transfer to parchment lined sheet. Continue with remaining dough.

5. Bring a pot of water to the boil. Simmer gnocchi until the float to the surface. Strain cooked gnocchi to parchment lined sheet. Continue cooking gnocchi. At this point, the gnocchi can be frozen for up to 3 months.

6. Add butter to a sauté pan and allow to brown. Add gnocchi and sauté until lightly browned. Add sage leaves and allow to crisp slightly. Or, lightly coat a saute pan with evoo, saute gnocchi

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until lightly crisped and golden.

7. Transfer cooked gnocchi to a platter and garnish with additional cheese.

Pumpkin Churros

The churros are a delicious dessert. Perfect for Chanukah, or any occasion. The churros batter does not have sugar in it, so the churros can be savory. (Mind blown!). For a fun appetizer or addition to your favorite soups (think breadsticks) roll the cooked churros, right out of the oil, in parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.

1 ½ cups water

¾ cup pumpkin puree-canned works here!

10 tablespoons butter or evoo for a pareve version 2 cups flour

2 teaspoons cinnamon Pinch of sea salt

4 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

6 cups of Neutral Oil for frying

1 cup sugar whisked with 2 teaspoons cinnamon Special equipment: piping bag and large star tip. Preparation: line a sheet pan with several layers of paper towels

1. Heat water, pumpkin puree, and butter in a medium saucepan until boiling. Immediately add flour and cinnamon. Lower heat and stir flour until a ball of dough forms. Stir constantly for 3 minutes until dough is smooth and leaves a thin starchy coating on the pan (this means the flour has absorbed the water and is fully hydrated)

2. Transfer dough to a mixer fitted with a cake paddle attachment. Beat dough until most of the steam has evaporated. Add eggs, one at a time, scraping the bowl after each addition. Add vanilla.

3. Transfer dough to a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip.

4. Heat 2-3 inches of oil in a pan over medium-high heat.

5. Pipe 3 inches of dough into hot oil, cut dough with scissors or knife and pipe several more churros.

6. Cook, turning once or twice until medium brown. Transfer to paper towel lined sheet.

7. Roll cooled churros in sugar-cinnamon mixture and serve.